Distinguished - Thoroughly reflects on previous experience with environmental science or environmental issues.

Proficient - Reflects on previous experience with environmental science or environmental issues. The reflection is slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - Minimally reflects on previous experience with environmental science or environmental issues. The reflection is underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Attempts to reflect on previous experience with environmental science or environmental issues; however, the reflection is significantly underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - The reflection on previous experience with environmental science or environmental issues is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Thoroughly reflects on Week One content.

Proficient - Reflects on Week One content. The reflection is slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - Minimally reflects on Week One content. The reflection is underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Attempts to reflect on Week One content; however, the reflection is significantly underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - The reflection on Week One content is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Lists five steps the student will take to minimize his/her ecological footprint.

Proficient - Lists four steps the student will take to minimize his/her ecological footprint.

Basic - Lists three steps the student will take to minimize his/her ecological footprint.

Below Expectations - Lists two or fewer steps the student will take to minimize his/her ecological footprint.

Non-Performance - The five steps the student will take to minimize his/her ecological footprint are either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Displays meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains no errors and is very easy to understand.

Proficient - Displays comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains only a few minor errors and is mostly easy to understand.

Basic - Displays basic comprehension of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains a few errors which may slightly distract the reader.

Below Expectations - Fails to display basic comprehension of syntax or mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains major errors which distract the reader.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - The length of the paper is equivalent to the required number of correctly formatted pages. 

Proficient - The length of the paper is nearly equivalent to the required number of correctly formatted pages. 

Basic - The length of the paper is equivalent to at least three quarters of the required number of correctly formatted pages.

Below Expectations - The length of the paper is equivalent to at least one half of the required number of correctly formatted pages.   

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.